It's surprising how many things we put off that we could get done
in two minutes or less. For example, washing your dishes
immediately after your meal, tossing the laundry in the washing
machine, taking out the garbage, cleaning up clutter, sending
that email, and so on.

If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, then follow
the rule and do it right now.

Part 2: When you start a new habit, it should take less
than two minutes to do.

Can all of your goals be accomplished in less than two minutes?
Obviously not.

But, every goal can be started in two minutes or less. And that's
the purpose behind this little rule.

It might sound like this strategy is too basic for your grand
life goals, but I beg to differ. It works for any goal because of
one simple reason: the physics of real life.

The Physics of Real Life

As Sir Isaac Newton taught us a long time ago, objects at rest
tend to stay at rest and objects in motion tend to stay in
motion. This is just as true for humans as it is for falling
apples.

The 2-Minute Rule works for big goals as well as small goals
because of the inertia of life. Once you start doing something,
it's easier to continue doing it. I love the 2-Minute Rule
because it embraces the idea that all sorts of good things happen
once you get started.

Want to become a better writer? Just write one sentence (2-Minute
Rule), and you'll often find yourself writing for an hour.

Want to eat healthier? Just eat one piece of fruit (2-Minute
Rule), and you'll often find yourself inspired to make a healthy
salad as well.

Want to make reading a habit? Just read the first page of a new
book (2-Minute Rule), and before you know it, the first three
chapters have flown by.

Want to run three times a week? Every Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday, just get your running shoes on and get out the door
(2-Minute Rule), and you'll end up putting mileage on your legs
instead of popcorn in your stomach.

The most important part of any new habit is getting started — not
just the first time, but each time. It's not about performance,
it's about consistently taking action. In many ways, getting started is more important than succeeding.
This is especially true in the beginning because there will be
plenty of time to improve your performance later on.

The 2-Minute Rule isn't about the results you achieve, but rather
about the process of actually doing the work. It works really
well for people who believe that the system is more important than the goal.
The focus is on taking action and letting things flow from there.

Try It Now

I can't guarantee whether or not the 2-Minute Rule will work for
you. But, I can guarantee that it will never work if you never
try it.

The problem with most articles you read, podcasts you listen to,
or videos you watch is that you consume the information but never
put it into practice.

I want this article to be different. I want you to actually use
this information, right now.

What's something you can do that will take you less than two
minutes? Do it right now.

Anyone can spare the next 120 seconds. Use this time to get one
thing done. Go.